Kwasi Sibo makes CAF Champions League debut in Al Swehly win over Esperance

Ghana midfielder Kwasi Sibo made his debut in the CAF Champions League as Libyan club Al Swehly claimed a 1-0 victory over Tunisia's Esperance de Tunis in the first leg of their second-round preliminary tie.

Sibo started in midfield as Al Swehly secured a narrow advantage at Misurata Stadium on Sunday, with Ayoub Ayed scoring the only goal of the contest in the 64th minute.

The result gives the Libyan side an important lead heading into the return fixture this weekend as they seek to eliminate the Tunisian giants and secure a place in the group stage of Africa's premier club competition.

Sibo, who missed Al Swehly's opening-round matches, was handed a starting role for the encounter as the club began its battle for a place among the continent's leading teams.

The former Real Oviedo midfielder will be hoping to build on his first appearance in the competition when the two sides meet again, with Al Swehly needing to protect their advantage to progress to the next stage.

Ayed's second-half strike proved decisive in a closely contested match, giving the Libyan side a valuable victory against an experienced Esperance team.

The goal arrived in the 64th minute and separated the sides after a contest in which the hosts managed to secure a slender but potentially significant advantage.

Esperance suffered a further setback after the final whistle when forward Youcef Belaïli was shown a straight red card.

Al Swehly will now turn their attention to the second leg, where they will attempt to complete the job and advance towards the group stage. Their one-goal advantage places them in a promising position, although the return fixture will determine which side progresses.

For Sibo, the tie represents an opportunity to gain valuable experience at continental club level after joining the Libyan side's campaign. His involvement in the first leg could also provide momentum as he seeks to establish himself in the team for the decisive encounter.

The Ghanaian midfielder's club performances come at a significant time, with the Black Stars preparing for their next assignments in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying as they pursue a place at the continental tournament.

Sibo will be hoping his performances for Al Swehly help him secure a place in the Black Stars squad for those matches next month.

Regular involvement in the CAF Champions League could strengthen his case for selection, particularly as he looks to demonstrate his ability to compete at a high level in African football.

However, Al Swehly's immediate priority will be to secure qualification for the group stage. The Libyan club must maintain its advantage against Esperance in the return fixture if it is to continue its campaign in the competition.

A successful outcome would represent an important achievement for the club and provide Sibo with the opportunity to compete against more of Africa's top teams.

With a narrow lead secured in Misurata, Al Swehly head into the second leg with qualification within reach, while Esperance will be seeking to overturn the deficit.

Sibo's Champions League journey has begun with a victory, but the return match will be crucial in determining whether he and his teammates can progress to the group stage.